Intelligent user interface including a touch sensor device

ABSTRACT

The present invention, according to a preferred embodiment, is directed to portable electronic devices which operate on exhaustible power sources, for example, batteries. The electronic devices of the present invention comprise at least one signal switch and a microchip in communication with the switch wherein the switch is only capable of transmitting a signal to the microchip that the switch has been activated or deactivated. The microchip is in communication with the exhaustible power source of the electronic device and controls (i) the power on/off function of the device, (ii) at least one other function of the device in response to activation and deactivation signals from the switch, and (iii) an automatic shut off function in response to the receipt of an activation signal from the switch.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/239,369 filed Sep. 26, 2008, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/961,723 filed Dec. 20, 2007, which is adivisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/060,329 filed Feb. 17,2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,336,037, which is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 10/690,423 filed Oct. 21, 2003, now U.S.Pat. No. 6,952,084, which is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 10/365,042 filed on Feb. 12, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,650,066,which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/793,303filed on Feb. 26, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,621,225, which is acontinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/169,395 filed onOct. 9, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,249,089.

This application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No.09/806,860 filed Jul. 2, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,984,900, and to U.S.patent application Ser. No. 10/430,376 filed May 7, 2003, now U.S. Pat.No. 6,828,739, and to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/855,361 filedMay 28, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,084,526, and to U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/873,190 filed Jun. 23, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No.7,084,531, and to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/873,617 filed Jun.23, 2004, now abandoned, and to U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/875,618 filed Jun. 25, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,291,940, and to U.S.patent application Ser. No. 10/961,373 filed Oct. 12, 2004, now U.S.Pat. No. 7,265,494, and to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/480,868filed Jul. 6, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,329,970, and to U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/785,063 filed Apr. 13, 2007, which is pending,and to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/930,705 filed Oct. 31, 2007,which is pending, and to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/928,964filed Oct. 30, 2007, which is pending.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to new intelligent electrical currentswitching devices and more particularly, to microchip controlledelectrical current switching devices. The invention further relates, inone embodiment, to intelligent batteries having embedded therein amicrochip for use with a variety of electrical devices to add heretoforeunknown functionality to existing electrical devices. The invention alsorelates, according to another embodiment, to intelligent hand-heldelectronic devices, and in a preferred embodiment to hand-held lightsources, and more particularly, to flashlights. According to oneembodiment of the present invention, the invention relates tointelligent hand-held flashlights having microchip controlled switcheswherein said switches can be programmed to perform a variety offunctions including, for example, turning the flashlight off after apre-determined time interval, blinking, or dimming, etc. According to astill further embodiment, the invention relates to low current switchescontrolled by microchips of the present invention for use in buildinglighting systems.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In conventional flashlights, manually-operated mechanical switchesfunction to turn the flashlight “on” and “off.” When turned “on,”battery power is applied through the closed switch to a light bulb, theamount of power then consumed depends on how long the switch is closed.In the typical flashlight, the effective life of the battery is only afew hours at most. Should the operator, after using the flashlight tofind his/her way in the dark or for any other purpose, then fail to turnit off, the batteries will, in a very short time, become exhausted.Should the flashlight be left in a turned-on and exhausted condition fora prolonged period, the batteries may then leak and exude corrosiveelectrolyte that is damaging to the contact which engages the batteryterminal as well as the casing of the flashlight.

When the flashlight is designed for use by a young child the likelihoodis greater that the flashlight will be mishandled, because a young childis prone to be careless and forgets to turn the flashlight “off” afterit has served its purpose. Because of this, a flashlight may be left“on” for days, if not weeks, and as a result of internal corrosion mayno longer be in working order when the exhausted batteries are replaced.

Flashlights designed for young children are sometimes in a lanternformat, with a casing made of strong plastic material that is virtuallyunbreakable, the light bulb being mounted within a reflector at thefront end of the casing and being covered by a lens from which a lightbeam is projected. A U-shaped handle is attached to the upper end of thecasing, with mechanical on-off slide switch being mounted on the handle,so that a child grasping the handle can readily manipulate the slideactuator with his/her thumb.

With a switch of this type on top of a flashlight handle, when the slideactuator is pushed forward by the thumb, the switch “mechanically”closes the circuit and the flashlight is turned “on” and remains “on”until the slide actuator is pulled back to the “off” position and thecircuit is opened. It is this type of switch in the hands of a childthat is most likely to be inadvertently left “on.”

To avoid this problem, many flashlights include, in addition to a slideswitch, a push button switch which keeps the flashlight turned on onlywhen finger pressure is applied to the push button. It is difficult fora young child who wishes, say to illuminate a dark corner in thebasement of his home for about 30 seconds, to keep a push buttondepressed for this period. It is therefore more likely that the childwill actuate the slide switch to its permanently-on position, for thisrequires only a monetary finger motion.

It is known to provide a flashlight with a delayed action switch whichautomatically turns off after a pre-determined interval. The MalloryU.S. Pat. No. 3,535,282 discloses a flashlight that is automaticallyturned off by a delayed action mechanical switch assembly that includesa compression spring housed in a bellows having a leaky valve, so thatwhen a switch is turned on manually, this action serves to mechanicallycompress the bellows which after a pre-determined interval acts to turnoff the switch.

A similar delayed action is obtained in a flashlight for childrenmarketed by Playskool Company, this delayed action being realized by aresistance-capacitance timing network which applies a bias to asolid-state transistor switch after 30 seconds or so to cut off thetransistor and shut off the flashlight. Also included in the prior art,is a flashlight previously sold by Fisher-Price using an electronictiming circuit to simply turn off the flashlight after about 20 minutes.

It is also known, e.g. as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,875,147, toprovide a mechanical switch assembly for a flashlight which includes asuction cup as a delayed action element whereby the flashlight, whenmomentarily actuated by an operator, functions to connect a batterypower supply to a light bulb, and which maintains this connection for apre-determined interval determined by the memory characteristics of thesuction cup, after which the connection is automatically broken.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,138,538 discloses a flashlight having the usualcomponents of a battery, and on-off mechanical switch, a bulb, and ahand-held housing, to which there is added a timing means and acircuit-breaking means responsive to the timing means for cutting offthe flow of current to the bulb, which further has a by-pass means,preferably child-proof, to direct electric current to the light bulbregardless of the state of the timing means. The patent also providesfor the operation of the device may be further enhanced by making theby-pass means a mechanical switch connected so as to leave it in serieswith the mechanical on-off switch. Furthermore, the patent discloses alock or other “child-proofing” mechanism may be provided to ensure thatthe by-pass is disabled when the flashlight is switched off.

Most conventional flashlights, like those described above, are actuatedby mechanical push or slide button-type switches requiring, of course,mechanical implementation by an operator. Over time, the switch suffers“wear and tear” which impairs operation of the flashlight as a resultof, for example, repeated activations by the operator and/or due to thefact that the switch has been left “on” for a prolonged period of time.In addition, such mechanical switches are vulnerable to the effects ofcorrosion and oxidation and can cause said switches to deteriorate andto become non-functioning. In addition, these prior art devices havingthese mechanical switches are generally “dumb,” i.e. they do not providethe user with convenient, reliable, and affordable functionalities whichtoday's consumers now demand and expect.

The prior art switches typically provide two basic functions in priorart flashlights. First, the mechanical switches act as actual conductorsfor completing power circuits and providing current during operation ofthe devices. Depending upon the type of bulb and wiring employed, theintensity of electrical current which must be conducted by the switch isgenerally quite high leading to, after prolonged use, failure. Second,these mechanical switches must function as an interface between thedevice and its operator, i.e. the man-machine-interface (“MMI”) andnecessarily requires repeated mechanical activations of the switch whichover time mechanically deteriorate.

Also, currently the electrical switches used in buildings/houses forcontrol of lighting systems are of the conventional type of switcheswhich must conduct, i.e. close the circuit, upon command, thus alsoproviding the MMI. These prior art switches suffer from the samedisadvantages as the switches described above in relation to portableelectronic devices, like flashlights. Moreover, the switches arerelatively dumb in most cases and do not provide the user with a varietyof functions, e.g. but not limited to timing means to enable a user, forexample, a shop owner or home owner to designate a predetermined shutoff or turn on point in time.

There is a need for inexpensive, reliable, and simple intelligentelectronic devices which provide increased functionality and energyconservation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provideda microchip controlled switch to manage both the current conductingfunctions and the MMI functions in an electronic device, such as aflashlight, on a low current basis i.e. without the MMI device having toconduct or switch high current. According to one aspect of theinvention, the MMI functions are controlled by very low current signals,using touch pads, or carbon coated membrane type switches. These lowcurrent signal switches of the present invention can be smaller, morereliable, less costly, easier to seal and less vulnerable to the effectsof corrosion and oxidation. Moreover, since the switch is a solid statecomponent, it is, according to the present invention, possible tocontrol the functions of the device in an intelligent manner by the samemicrochip which provides the MMI functions. Thus, by practicing theteachings of the present invention, more reliable, intelligent, andefficient electrical devices can be obtained which are cheaper andeasier to manufacture than prior art devices.

According to another embodiment of the invention, there is provided amicrochip which can be embedded in a battery that will lend intelligenceto the battery and thus, the device it is inserted into, so that manyfunctions, including but not limited to, delayed switching, dimming,automatic shut off, and intermittent activation may be inexpensivelyrealized in an existing (nonintelligent) product, for example a priorart flashlight.

According to a further embodiment, the invention provides a power savingmicrochip which, when operatively associated with an electronic device,will adjust the average electric current through a current switch,provide an on and off sequence which, for example, but not limited to,in the case of a flashlight, can be determined by an operator and mayrepresent either a flash code sequence or a simple on/off oscillation,provide an indication of battery strength, and/or provide a gradualoscillating current flow to lengthen the life of the operating switchand the power source.

According to one embodiment of the invention, an intelligent flashlight,having a microchip controlled switch is provided comprising a microchipfor controlling the on/off function and at least one other function ofthe flashlight. According to a further embodiment of the invention, anintelligent flashlight having a microchip controlled switch is providedcomprising an input means for sending activating/deactivating signals tothe microchip, and a microchip for controlling the on/off function andat least one other function of the flashlight. According to a furtherembodiment of the invention, there is provided an intelligent flashlighthaving a microchip controlled switch comprising an input means forselecting one function of the flashlight, a microchip for controlling atleast the on/off function and one other function of the flashlight,wherein the microchip control circuit may further comprise acontrol-reset means, a clock means, a current switch, and/or any one orcombination of the same.

According to another embodiment of the invention, there is provided abattery for use with an electrical device comprising a microchipembedded in the battery. According to still a further embodiment of theinvention, a battery for use with an electronic device is providedcomprising a microchip embedded in the battery wherein said microchip isadapted such that an input means external to the microchip can selectthe on/off function and at least one other function of the electronicdevice.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is providedan intelligent battery for use with an electronic device, the batteryhaving positive and negative terminal ends and comprising a microchipembedded in the battery, preferably in the positive terminal end, forcontrolling on/off functions and at least one other function of theelectronic device.

According to another embodiment of the invention, there is provided aportable microchip device for use in serial connection with a powersource, e.g. an exhaustible power source, and an electronic devicepowered by said source wherein said electronic device has an input meansfor activating and deactivating said power source, and said microchipcomprising a means for controlling the on/off function and at least oneother function of the electronic device upon receipt of a signal fromsaid input means through said power source.

According to a still further embodiment of the invention, there isprovided a microchip adapted to control lighting in buildings. Accordingto this embodiment, the normal switch on the wall that currentlyfunctions as both a power-switch, i.e. conduction of electricity, andMMI can be eliminated, thus eliminating the normal high voltage and highcurrent dangerous wiring to the switch and from the switch to the loador light. Utilizing the present invention, these switches can bereplaced with connecting means suitable for low current DC requirements.

According to another embodiment, the present invention is directed to abattery comprising an energy storage section, a processor, e.g. amicrochip and first and second terminal ends. The first terminal endbeing connected to the energy storage section, the second terminal endbeing connected to the processor, and the processor being connected tothe second terminal end and the energy storage section. The processorcontrols the connection of the second terminal end to the energy storagesection.

According to another embodiment, the present invention provides anelectronic apparatus which includes an electrical device, comprising apower supply, an activating/deactivating means, and a processor. Theactivating/deactivating means is connected to the processor and theprocessor is connected to the power supply. The processor controls theon/off function of the device and at least one other function of thedevice in response to signals received from the activation/deactivationmeans.

The present invention, according to a still further embodiment, providesa flashlight comprising a light source, an energy storage means, aswitch means, and a processor means. The switch means being incommunication with the processor means and the processor means being incommunication with the energy storage means which is ultimately incommunication with the light source. The processor controls theactivation/deactivation of the light source and, in some embodiments,further functions of the flashlight, in response to signals receivedfrom the switch means.

While the present invention is primarily described in this applicationwith respect to either a flashlight or a battery therefore, theembodiments discussed herein should not be considered limitative of theinvention, and many other variations of the use of the intelligentdevices of the present invention will be obvious to one of ordinaryskill in the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic of a device having a microchip controlled pushbutton or sliding type input activation/deactivation switch according toone embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a microchip for use in association with apush button or sliding input activation/deactivation switch according toone embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic of a second type of intelligent device having amicrochip controlled push button or sliding type inputactivation/deactivation switch according to another embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic of a device having a microchip controlled touchpad or carbon coated membrane activation/deactivation switch accordingto a still further embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a microchip for use in association with atouch pad or carbon coated membrane activation/deactivation switchaccording to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a schematic of a second type of device having a microchipcontrolled touch pad or carbon coated membrane activation/deactivationswitch according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a schematic of a battery having embedded therein a microchipaccording to a further embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8A is a block diagram of a microchip for use in a battery accordingto one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8B is a block diagram of a second type of microchip for use in abattery according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a schematic of a device having a microchip controlled switchaccording to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10 is a schematic of a device having a microchip controlled switchaccording to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 11 is a schematic of a device having a microchip controlled switchaccording to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a schematic of a flashlight having therein a microchipcontrolled switch according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 illustrates a possible position, according to one embodiment ofthe present invention of a microchip in a battery;

FIG. 14 is a schematic of one embodiment of the present invention of alow current switching device suitable for lighting systems in buildings;

FIG. 15 is a block diagram of one embodiment of the present invention,i.e. microchip 1403 of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a flow diagram for a microchip as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 fora delayed shut off function embodiment of one embodiment of the presentinvention; and

FIG. 17 is a flow diagram for a microchip as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 afor a delayed shut off function embodiment of one embodiment of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

According to one embodiment or aspect of the present invention, andreferring to FIG. 1, a schematic depiction of main circuit 100 of anelectronic device, for example, a flashlight, is provided, wherein thedevice has a microchip 103 and a microchip controlled inputactivator/deactivator 102, for example, a push button or sliding switch.Main circuit 100 of the device is powered by a current supplied by powersource 101. Power source 101 may be any power source, e.g. a DC battery,as is well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. While thefollowing discussion is limited to specific electronic devices, that isflashlights, it is to be understood that the following description isequally applicable to other electronic devices including portableradios, toys, for example but not limited to battery operated cars,boats, planes, and/or other electrically powered toys.

Referring to FIG. 1, when an operator activates input push button orsliding command switch 102 to the “on” position, the microchip 103receives a signal. Switch 102 is a direct electrical input to microchip103. Microchip 103 is grounded by grounding means 104. Microchip 103 isin series between power source 101 and load 105. Microchip 103 alsotransfers sufficient power through means of a current switch (not shownin FIG. 1) to load 105 which can be, for example, a resistor-type bulbin the case of a flashlight to provide illumination.

The microchip 103, and other microchips of the present invention, canhave its/their intelligence embedded in combinational or sequentiallogic, a PLA or ROM type structure feeding into a state machine or atrue microcontroller type structure. The memory for the above willnormally be non-volatile, but should there be a need for selectableoptions, EE or flash memory structures may be used.

The structure and operational parameters of such a microchip 103 areexplained in greater detail below with respect to FIG. 2. As shown inFIG. 1, power is supplied to microchip 103 by power source 101. When anoperator activates input switch 102 to the “on” position it represents acommand which is communicated to microchip 103. Input means 102 requiresvery low current in preferred embodiments. In one embodiment of theinvention, microchip control/reset means 201 simply allows the currentswitch 202 to pass current provided from power source 101 to load 105 inan unimpeded manner when the MMI switch 102 is activated, and, in thecase of a flashlight, illumination is obtained. It is important torecognize, however, that it is control circuit 201 which activatescurrent switch 202 upon acting on an input from MMI switch 102. Unlikeheretofore known prior art devices, activating switch 102 does notconduct current to load 105, but is only a command input mechanism whichcan, according to the invention, operate on very low current. Forexample, according to the invention, touch sensor input or carbon coatedmembrane type switch devices are preferred.

If, for example, an emergency notification function is desired, theflashlight may be designed to alternately flash on and off every second.First, the operator activates input 102 into the appropriate position toindicate such a function is desired. During the “on” segment of theflashing routine, control/reset means 201 commands current switch 202 toclose and let current flow through to load 105, thereby causing, in thecase of a flashlight, the bulb to illuminate. Simultaneously,control/reset means 201 uses the timing means 203 as a clock for timing.After control/reset means 201 determines one second has elapsed,control/reset means 201 instructs current switch 202 to open andinterrupt the current flow through to load 105, and bulb illumination isdiscontinued. It is important to note that both control/reset means 201and current switch 202 are still active and fully powered; however,current delivery is now latent with respect to load 105. When anothersecond has elapsed, a command is passed from control/reset means 201which again allows current to be delivered through current switch 202 toload 105, and in the case of a flashlight, bulb illumination isimmediately resumed. The device continues an alternating currentdelivery routine until either the operator switches the setting of theactivating input switch 102 to the “off” position, or until theconditions pre-programmed into the microchip, e.g. into thecontrol/reset means 201, are satisfied and current delivery ispermanently discontinued.

Similar operating routines can be employed to generate other conspicuousflashing functions such as the generation of the universal distresssignal S.O.S. in Morse code. Again, such a function would require thatthe microchip, e.g. control/reset means 201, be pre-programmed with theappropriate code for creating such a signal, and to permit currenttransmission from switch 202 to load 105 in accordance with the codewith the assistance of timing means 203. For example, it may bedesirable to have an S.O.S. sequence wherein flashes representing eachindividual letter are separated by time intervals ranging from one-half(½) second to one (1) full second, while the interval between eachletter in the code comprises two (2) full seconds. After a certainnumber of repetitions of the routine, again determined by the operatoror as pre-programmed within the microchip, e.g. within the control/resetmeans 201, the signal is discontinued.

As shown in FIG. 3, it is possible to remove grounding means 104 frommain circuit 100. However, it is then necessary to intermittentlyprovide an alternative power source for microchip 103 and to create avirtual ground reference level. A suitable microchip 103 for thisconfiguration is described in greater detail below with respect to FIGS.8A and 8B.

Referring now to FIG. 4, utilizing the circuits in the microchip of someembodiments of the present invention, carbon coated membrane or touchpad type switches are preferred. Carbon coated membrane switches andtouch pad switches have many advantages over conventional high currentswitches, such as those currently used in flashlights. According to thepresent invention, carbon coated membrane type switches, low currenttype switches, and touch pad type switches can be used which may besmaller, less costly, easier to seal, and less vulnerable to corrosionand oxidation than conventional switches which also transfer energy orcurrent to the load. Moreover, according to one embodiment of thepresent invention, carbon coated membrane type switches, touch padswitches, or low current type switches can be formed structurallyintegral with the product, for example, with the casing of a flashlight.

A block diagram showing microchip 103 for use, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention, in association with a carbon coatedmembrane, a touch pad switch, or a low current type switch 106 is nowexplained in greater detail in respect to FIG. 5. According to this oneembodiment of the present invention, current switch 202 is powereddirectly by grounded power source 101. However, output of current fromcurrent switch 202 to load 105 is dependent on control/reset means 201.When an operator depresses touch pad 106, carbon coated membrane switch106 or low current type switch 106, control/reset means 201 allowscurrent switch 202 to flow current through to load 105. However, in moreintelligent applications according to certain embodiments of the presentinvention, control/reset means 201 will coordinate, based on clockand/or timing means 203, to execute timing routines similar to thosedescribed above such as, but not limited to, intermittent flashing, theflashing of a conspicuous pattern such as Morse code, dimming functions,battery maintenance, battery strength/level, etc.

As shown in FIG. 6, grounding means 104 can be removed from the systemas a matter of design choice. A more detailed description of a suitablemicrochip 103 for this type of configuration is provided below withrespect to FIGS. 8A and 8B.

Referring to FIG. 7, certain embodiments of the present invention alsoprovide for a battery having a microchip embedded for use in associationwith an electronic device. As shown, direct current is provided tomicrochip 103 by power source 101. When activating input switch 102 isclosed, current is complete and power is transferred to load 105 at thedirection of microchip 103. Microchip 103 embedded in the battery canhave any number of intelligent functions pre-programmed therein, suchas, for example but not limited to, battery strength monitoring,recharging, adjustment of average current through a current switch,intermittent power delivery sequences, and so on. Examples of suitablemicrochips 103 for this type of application are discussed below withreference to FIGS. 8A and 8B.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are block diagrams of two different further embodimentsof the present invention. Microchip 803 is especially suitable forapplications wherein microchip 803 is not grounded through the body ofthe electrical device or where a ground cannot otherwise be establishedbecause of design considerations. This embodiment is useful to providesufficient operating power to the microchip and can be achieved byperiodically opening and closing current switch 202 when activationinput switch 102 is closed. For example, referring to FIG. 8A, wheninput switch 102 is closed but current switch 202 does not conduct (thatis, the switch is open and does not allow current to flow to load 105),then voltage drop over load 105 is zero and in the case of a flashlight,no illumination is provided from the bulb. Instead, the full voltagedrop is over current switch 202 and in parallel with the diode 204 andcapacitor 205. Once capacitor 205 becomes fully charged, current switch202 can close and circuit 103 will be powered by capacitor 205. Whencircuit 803 is adequately powered, it functions in a manner identical tothe circuits described previously with respect to the functions providedby control/reset means 201 and timing means 203.

When the charging capacitor 205 starts to become depleted, control/resetmeans 201 will recognize this state and reopen the current switch 203,thus briefly prohibiting the flow of current to load 105, in order toremove the voltage drop from load 105 and allow capacitor 205 torecharge and begin a new cycle. In a flashlight application, the timeperiod wherein current flow from current switch 202 is discontinued canbe such that the dead period of the light is not easily or not at alldetectable by the human eye. In the case of a high current usage load,such as a flashlight, it means the ratio of the capacitance of thecapacitor having to power the microchip and the current consumption ofthe microchip, must be such that the capacitor can power the microchipfor a long time relative to the charging time (202 open). This willenable the flashlight's “off” time to be short and the “on” time to belong, thus not creating a detectable or intrusive switching of theflashlight to the user.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, e.g. inrelation to another product of low current consumption, such as a FMradio, the designer may opt for a capacitive (reservoir) deviceexternally to the microchip (see FIG. 11). In this case, the electricaldevice may function for a time longer than the time required forcharging the capacitor (205, 207) which is when the current switch (202)is open and not conducting current.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, an output maybe provided to indicate a condition, e.g. a battery is in good or badcondition. It may also be suitable to assist in locating a device, e.g.but not limited to a flashlight, in the dark. This may be a separateoutput pin or may be, according to another embodiment, shared with theMMI switch input. (See FIG. 11) This output or indicator may be a LED.Referring to FIG. 11, indicator/output device 1104 may, for example, bean LED. When microchip 1113 pulls the line 1114 to high, the LED 1104shines. LED 1104 may also shine when switch 1111 is closed by the user.However, since that is only a momentary closure, this should not createa problem.

According to a further specific embodiment of the invention, referringto FIG. 11, microchip 1113 can activate the LED 1104 for a short time,e.g. every 100 milliseconds, every 10 seconds. This indication will letpotential users know the device is in a good state of functionality andwill enable fast location of the device in the dark, e.g. in times ofemergency. The low duty cycle will also prevent unnecessary batterydepletion.

With an alternative embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 8Billustrates the charging and discharging of capacitor 207 to providepower to circuit 803, wherein the diode and capacitor structureestablishes a ground reference for circuit 803.

Each of the embodiments explained with respect to FIGS. 8A and 8B aresuitable for use, according to the present invention, depending upon theapplication. Indeed, the embodiments shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B can bedirectly embedded into a battery and/or can be separately constructed inanother portable structure, e.g. but not limited to, in the shape of adisc, about the size of a quarter, to be inserted at the end of thebattery between the output means or positive terminal of the battery andthe current receiving structure of the electronic device. As described,the embodiments shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B can be utilized with the priorart high current switches currently being utilized in simplenon-intelligent electronic devices, for example flashlights, radios andtoys. For example, in the case of a portable simple radio without anyintelligence, an automatic shut “off” may be achieved by using theintelligent battery or portable microchip of the present inventionhaving a timing function to automatically shut off the radio after agiven period of time, i.e. after the user is asleep.

The architecture of the two embodiments of the present invention shownin FIGS. 8A and 8B provide certain advantages over the simple dumbarchitecture in current simple electrical devices, for example,flashlights. Due to the unique design of the microchips, as shown inFIGS. 8A and 8B, after the device (into which the microchip isincorporated) is shut off the microchip remains powered for anadditional period of time which allows for said microchip to thusreceive additional commands, for example, a second “on” activationwithin a given period after a first “on” and “off” activation, may beprogrammed into the microchip (control/reset means) to indicate a powerreduction or dimming function or any other function as desired by thedesigner of said device. This is accomplished by the inventive designsof the present invention without having to utilize substantial energyfrom what are typically small exhaustible power sources, e.g. DCbatteries in the case of flashlights.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, more intelligentdevices include many other useful functions pre-programmed within themicrochip, e.g. in control/reset means 201 and may, e.g. be assisted bya timing means 203. Referring to FIG. 2, commands can be entered throughswitch 102 in several different ways. First, various time sequences ofclosed and open activations may represent different commands. Forexample, but not limited to, a single closure may instruct microchip 103to activate current switch 202 continuously for a pre-determined lengthof time. Alternatively, two successive closures may instruct themicrochip 103 to intermittently activate current switch 202 for apre-determined length of time and sequence, for example, a S.O.S.sequence.

Secondly, referring to FIG. 9, commands may be communicated to microchip903 through the use of various voltages recognizable by microchip 903 torepresent various commands. For example, but not limited to, accordingto one embodiment of the present invention, it may include multipleactivating switches 901 and 902 connecting different voltages to thecommand input structure of microchip 903.

Thirdly, referring to FIG. 10, commands may be communicated to microchip1103 through the use of multiple specific switches (1004, 1005, 1006,1007) which when activated either singularly or in combination is/arerecognizable by microchip 1103 as representing various differentcommands.

As can be seen by FIG. 9, switch 901 and 902 and in FIG. 10, switches1004, 1005, 1006, and 1007, power or ground may be used as a commandreference voltage level. For example, the switches in FIG. 10 may beconnected to another ground instead of point 1008 depending on theinternal structure of the microchip.

The control/reset means included in the inventive microchips of thepresent invention may and in some instances, depending upon theapplication, should in addition to the many possible user functionsdescribed above, include means for adjusting the average current over aswitch and/or a means for providing a gradual “on”/“off” current flow,so that the operator does not appreciably perceive the increase anddecrease in light provided by the device. These features allow for anongoing variable level of lighting as desired by an operator, and mayalso lengthen the life span of the activation switch, the bulb, and thepower source. Moreover, several functions can now be added to anexisting device, like a flashlight, through the use of a battery havingembedded therein a microchip according to the present invention.

In another embodiment of the invention, the microchip is adapted tocontrol lighting in buildings. The normal switch on the wall thatcurrently functions as both a power-switch and MMI can be replaced by alow current switching device like a membrane switch, touch pad or carboncoated switching device. Since very low currents are required by the MMIswitch (device) that replaces the normal wall mounted (A/C) switch, itis possible to replace the normal high voltage/current (dangerous)wiring to the switch and from the switch to the lead (light), withconnectivity means suitable to the new low current DC requirements. Assuch, in the case of normal A/C wiring (110V/220V), the dangerous wiringcan now be restricted to the roof or ceiling and all switches (MMI's)can inherently be safe. This may make the expensive and regulated safetypiping required for the wiring of electricity to wall switchesredundant.

In a specific embodiment, the traditional wiring between the light andthe wall switch is replaced by flexible current conducting tape that canbe taped from the roof and down the wall to the required location. Inanother embodiment, the connections can be made by current conductingpaint or similar substances. In both cases above, it can be painted overwith normal paint to conceal it. This makes changing the location of awall switch or the addition of another switch very easy.

The microchip according to the present invention can be located in thepower fitting of the light. The microchip having the low current (MMI)input and a power switch to block or transfer the energy to the load(light, fan, air conditioner). It reacts to the inputs received toactivate or disable, or control other functions, of whatever device itis controlling.

The microchip may be adapted to contain the high current/voltage switchor control an external switching device or relay. The microchip mayalso, as in the other embodiments discussed, have some intelligence tocontrol functions like dimming, delayed shut off, timedactivation/deactivation, timed cycles, flashing sequences and gradualon/off switching. The microchip may also be adopted, as in a specificflashlight embodiment discussed, to provide a location/emergency signalfor lighting/flashing an LED.

The power input 101 in FIG. 14 may be DC (eg 12V) as is commonly usedfor some lights or A/C (110V or 240V). The device shown as 1403 may bemonolithic or be a multichip unit having a relay (solid state ormechanical), a regulator (eg: 110 AC volt to 12V DC) and a microchip asdiscussed in this application.

In a specific embodiment, Ic pin 1406 can normally be high and a closureof input means 1402, e.g. any of the low current switching devicesdescribed above, can be detected as Ic pin 1405 also goes too high. Toflash the LED 1404 the microchip will reverse the polarities so that Icpin 1405 becomes high with regards to Ic pin 1406. During this time, itmay not be possible to monitor the closure of the input 1402 switch andthe LED 1404 may not shine should the input 1402 be closed. In anotherembodiment, microchip 1403 is able to detect closure of input 1402before reversing the voltage polarity as discussed and if it detectsclosure, it does not proceed with reversing the polarity.

In FIG. 15, microchip 1503 does not contain a current switch (eg switch102) as shown in FIG. 2. However, if desired the regulator and relay canbe integrated into a single monolithic microchip 1503. In case of a 12V(DC) local voltage this may be done in any event unless thecurrent/power considerations is too high to make it practical.

In another embodiment, the microchips 1403 and 1503 are adapted toreceive commands not only via the MMI input but also over the load power(electricity) wiring. This would allow a central controller to send outvarious commands to various power points, controlled by a microchipaccording to this invention, by using address information of specificmicrochips or using global (to all) commands.

While the preferred embodiments of the present invention have beendescribed in detail, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skillin the art that changes and modifications may be made to saidembodiments without, however, departing from the spirit and scope of thepresent invention as claimed.

1. A method for controlling a product comprising a power source, or aconnection for a power source, and an energy consuming load, said methodincluding the step of providing an electronic module comprising anelectronic circuit including a microchip and a touch sensor forming partof a user interface, said microchip adapted to control the activation ofa visible indicator in response to an activation signal received fromthe user interface while operation of the load is unaffected.
 2. Themethod of claim 1 wherein the power source is mains.
 3. The method ofclaim 1 wherein the power source is not mains and wherein the powersource is enclosed in the product housing.
 4. The method of claim 1wherein the method also includes the step of activating or deactivatingthe product via commands received from the user interface.
 5. The methodof claim 1 wherein the method also includes the step of automaticallydeactivating the visible indicator a predetermined period of time afterit was activated.
 6. The method of claim 1 wherein the method alsoincludes the step of automatically deactivating a function that wasactivated in response to an activation signal, received from said userinterface, a predetermined period of time after it was activated.
 7. Themethod of claim 5 wherein the method also includes the step ofautomatically deactivating a function that was activated in response toan activation signal, received from said user interface, a predeterminedperiod of time after it was activated.
 8. The method of claim 1 whereinthe method is also used in a product comprising audio signal generatingcircuitry and radio frequency circuitry.
 9. The method of claim 5wherein the method is also used in a product comprising audio signalgenerating circuitry and radio frequency circuitry.
 10. The method ofclaim 1 wherein the method is used in a product wherein the indicator isat least an LED.
 11. The method of claim 5 wherein the method alsoincludes the step wherein the indicator also shows a state of theproduct or a condition of the product.
 12. The method of claim 5 whereinthe method also includes the step using electrically conductive paint ora similar substance to implement the user interface.
 13. The method ofclaim 5 wherein the method also includes the step using electricallyconductive flexible tape to implement the user interface.
 15. The methodof claim 12 wherein the method also includes the step using themicrochip to control activation and deactivation of the load as well asadjustment of the average power to the load in response to signalsreceived from the user interface.
 16. The method of claim 13 wherein themethod also includes the step using the microchip to control activationand deactivation of the load as well as adjustment of the average powerto the load in response to signals received from the user interface. 17.The method of claim 1 wherein the method is also used in a productcomprising audio signal generating circuitry and radio frequencycircuitry.
 18. The method of claim 1 wherein the method is also used inan electronic module comprising a touch sensor pad connected with onlyone connection to the microchip and/or the circuitry.
 19. The method ofclaim 5 wherein the method is also used in an electronic modulecomprising a touch sensor pad connected with only one connection to themicrochip and/or the circuitry.
 20. The method of claim 9 wherein themethod also includes the step wherein the indicator also shows a stateof the product or a condition of the product.
 21. The method of claim 1wherein the method also includes the step of using the electronic moduleas a serial element in the circuit that transfers power from the powersource to the load, with the electronic module comprising a power switchin parallel with the microchip, and wherein the method further includespowering the microchip from an energy storage element at least when thepower switch is conducting power to the load.
 22. The method of claim 5wherein the method also includes the step of using the electronic moduleas a serial element in the circuit that transfers power from the powersource to the load, with the electronic module comprising a power switchin parallel with the microchip, and wherein the method further includespowering the microchip from an energy storage element at least when thepower switch is conducting power to the load.
 23. The method of claim 16wherein the method also includes the step of using the electronic moduleas a serial element in the circuit that transfers power from the powersource to the load, with the electronic module comprising a power switchin parallel with the microchip, and wherein the method further includespowering the microchip from an energy storage element at least when thepower switch is conducting power to the load.
 24. The method of claim 20wherein the method is applied to a product comprising the electronicuser interface module, the power source and the load enclosed in theproduct casing.
 25. The method of claim 16 wherein the method is appliedto a product using mains power.
 26. An electronic module for use with aproduct comprising a power source or a connection for a power source,and an energy consuming load, said module comprising an electroniccircuit comprising a microchip and a touch sensor wherein said microchipand touch sensor form part of a product user interface, said microchipadapted to control the activation of a visible indicator in response toan activation signal received from the user interface while operation ofthe load is unaffected.